Personal Care & Fitness Worcester, MA Pop. 206,518

Cosmetologist Salary in Worcester, Massachusetts

The median cosmetologist salary in Worcester, MA is $38,588 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.5% below the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$38,588
vs State Avg
$-8,770
vs National
+$3,508
Cost of Living
110%

Cosmetologist Pay in Worcester: What to Expect (2026)

Worcester offers a median cosmetologist salary of $38,588, which is $8,770 below the Massachusetts state average of $47,358. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Worcester pays above average for this role.

Worcester's cost of living is 110% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Worcester spans from $24,200 at the 10th percentile to $63,800 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,500. With a population of 206,518, Worcester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Worcester by Experience

In Worcester, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
+$2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,600
+$3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,500
+$5,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Worcester, MA

Percentile Worcester
10th Percentile $24,200
25th Percentile $29,700
Median (50th) $38,588
75th Percentile $50,600
90th Percentile $63,800

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$56,128
Pop. 118,403
Boston, MA
$53,322
Pop. 675,647
Lowell, MA
$36,834
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$34,378
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Worcester

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Worcester and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Worcester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Worcester

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Worcester, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Worcester

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Worcester, MA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Worcester, Massachusetts is $38,588 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $24,200 (10th percentile) to $63,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Worcester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,588, a cosmetologist in Worcester earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Worcester compare to the Massachusetts state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Worcester's median cosmetologist salary of $38,588 is 18.5% below the Massachusetts state average of $47,358. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Worcester, MA? ▼
Worcester has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $38,588 in Worcester has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Worcester? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Worcester require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.